A look at the latest Sunderland-related transfer news and speculation
The Premier League heavyweights have been repeatedly credited with an interest in the DR Congo international in recent months, with one report earlier this week even going as far as to suggest that they could look to use £50 million Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte as a makeweight in any prospective agreement.
Sadiki has emerged as a standout performer for the Black Cats since completing a summer move from Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise, and has been a virtual ever-present in Regis Le Bris’ starting XI on Wearside when available for selection.
And it is within this context that journalist Pete O’Rourke insists United will almost certainly fall short in their efforts to lure the 21-year-old to Old Trafford any time soon. Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “I think it’s going to be nigh-on impossible to get him out, especially in this January window.
“There’s no chance that Sunderland would even contemplate letting Sadiki go. He has been a major success for the Black Cats since his arrival from Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium. He’s been a regular starter for Regis Le Bris and has been instrumental to Sunderland’s superb form in their first season back in the Premier League. Sunderland are an ambitious club. They don’t want to be losing or selling any of their top players, and he is under a long-term contract until 2030.
“So yeah, I don’t think Manchester United will have much hope of persuading Sunderland to do business for Sadiki. They want to build on their success this season. They’ll be looking to strengthen again in the summer and go again. So, I think with the ambitious plans that Sunderland have got, they won’t want to be losing players like Sadiki. I don’t think United have got much hope of landing him, definitely not in this window. And again, as I said, Sunderland will do everything they can to keep hold of the player next summer and beyond.“
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Aston Villa close in on Sunderland-linked Tammy Abraham
Elsewhere, Aston Villa look set to sign Sunderland-linked striker Tammy Abraham, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Black Cats were one of several clubs mentioned as admirers of the 28-year-old earlier this month, but it is Unai Emery’s side who have pressed ahead in the race for his signature.
It is claimed that an agreement has been reached over an £18.2 million permanent deal for the former Chelsea forward, while reports on the continent claim that he is expected to fly to England on Friday evening to rubberstamp his switch.
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